Why Fall Prep Matters
As temperatures drop across Illinois, your home’s plumbing system faces new seasonal challenges. Freezing weather, fluctuating water temperatures, and increased water usage all put extra strain on your system. At Restoration Plumbing, we’ve seen firsthand how a few smart steps in the fall can prevent expensive damage and disruption during the winter months. Here’s our expert guide to protecting your plumbing before the freeze hits.1. Focus on Proper Home Insulation
Many online guides suggest wrapping pipes with insulation sleeves or heat tape—but that approach only helps in limited situations. In reality, if your home is properly insulated, your pipes will naturally stay warmer without needing extra wrap. Why this matters: Pipe insulation can sometimes trap cold air or prevent natural heat from reaching your pipes, which actually increases the risk of freezing. Instead, focus on improving your home’s overall insulation—especially in basements, crawl spaces, and attics. Best practices:- Seal air leaks around windows, doors, and rim joists.
- Add insulation to areas where water lines run along exterior walls.
- Keep garage doors closed when it’s below freezing.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on especially cold nights to let warm air circulate.
Pro Tip from Restoration Plumbing: If you’ve had pipes freeze in the past, that’s a sign of inadequate home insulation—not necessarily exposed pipes. A professional inspection can identify and fix cold-air leaks at their source.
2. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses and Faucets
This one’s non-negotiable. Leaving hoses connected through winter is a leading cause of burst pipes and damaged hose bibs. When water freezes inside a hose, it expands backward into the faucet and even into your home’s interior piping. What to do before the first frost:- Remove and drain all garden hoses.
- Shut off the indoor valve that supplies outdoor spigots.
- Open the exterior faucet to let any remaining water drain out.
- Store hoses indoors or in a garage to prevent cracking.
3. Test and Maintain Your Sump Pump
Heavy fall rains and melting snow can push your sump system to its limits. Before winter sets in, test your sump pump to make sure it’s operating properly. Here’s how:- Pour a few gallons of water into the sump pit.
- Confirm that the pump activates and discharges water properly.
- Check that the discharge line is free from clogs or obstructions.
💧 Extra Tip: Add a battery backup sump pump. Power outages are common in winter storms, and without backup, your basement could flood even with a functioning primary pump.
4. Protect and Maintain Your Water Heater—The Right Way
You’ve probably heard the advice to “drain your water heater once a year.” While that’s true in theory, in practice it only works if the heater has been drained regularly since installation. If your water heater is more than a few years old and has never been drained, the sediment buildup likely prevents the drain valve from closing properly—and attempting to flush it can cause leaks or permanent damage. The better solution: Focus on preventing sediment buildup before it starts. The key is ensuring that clean, filtered water flows into your heater. Hard water and sediment are the primary causes of scale buildup and reduced efficiency. Our recommendations:- Have a plumber check your water supply for sediment or hardness.
- Consider a whole-house filtration or softening system to extend your water heater’s lifespan.
- If your heater is aging, have it inspected for corrosion and efficiency loss before the coldest months arrive.
5. Check for Hidden Leaks and Drips
Even a small drip can become a major issue during winter’s temperature swings. As pipes contract and expand, weak connections can worsen. Inspect for:- Dripping faucets and showerheads.
- Water around toilets or under sinks.
- Damp spots on walls, ceilings, or flooring.
- Higher-than-usual water bills (a common sign of a hidden leak).
6. Schedule a Professional Plumbing Inspection
Fall is the ideal time for a whole-home plumbing inspection. Our licensed technicians at Restoration Plumbing can identify issues before they turn into winter emergencies. During an inspection, we:- Check all visible piping and shut-off valves.
- Test sump pumps and water heaters.
- Look for corrosion, leaks, and water pressure issues.
- Ensure outdoor systems are safely winterized.
- Review your home’s insulation to reduce freezing risk.
7. Prepare for Winter Travel
If you’ll be away for more than a few days this winter:- Keep your thermostat at 55°F or higher.
- Open cabinets under sinks to allow airflow.
- Ask a neighbor to check your home periodically.
- For extended absences, consider turning off the main water supply.